Hugo Broos explained why winger Oswin Appollis was substituted in Bafana Bafana's 2-2 draw against Uganda last Friday.
In their 2025 AFCON qualifier at Orlando Stadium, Broos' men came from behind to draw 2-2 with the determined visitors after Veli Mothwa's howler had put them 2-1 up.
The Cranes gave the home side a scare after Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato put the Cranes ahead after Lyle Foster opened the scoring.
Elias Mokwana and Oswin Appollis were replaced by Thapelo Morena and Iqraam Rayners.
For his debut in national team colours, Relebohile Mofokeng was brought on along with Thalente Mbatha as a last-ditch effort.
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It turned out to be a magical move when Mbatha scored a stunning volley from the edge of the box in added time to save Mothwa's blushes.
Appollis' withdrawal, however, raised eyebrows in the first half when he had the opposition defense in a tizzy. His shots on goal, in particular, troubled Watenga.
Broos shed more light on the decision to withdraw Polokwane City's player at the post-match press conference.
"Appollis was good, but at that moment we had to try something else," the Belgian said.
There were two strikers, Iqraam and Lyle, three wingers, Thapelo [Morena] and Rele, and I think there was a little bit of a change in the field - also with Thalente in midfield.
We had more speed and played a little bit faster, so I think that was another reason we changed, not because they were playing badly, but because we needed fresh blood in the team, and we made the right decision."
Tuesday's game against South Sudan is a must-win for Bafana.
There will be a kickoff at 15:00.
